When searching for a new apartment, time is often of the essence. With a looming move-in deadline, finding the perfect place to call home can feel overwhelming — especially in a competitive rental market where listings vanish as quickly as they appear. Open houses can seem more like a race to outbid other renters than an opportunity to explore potential homes.

The good news is that modern rental apps are designed to simplify the process. These apps not only provide up-to-date rental listings and advanced search filters but also streamline applications, helping you act fast when you find the right fit. To ensure your potential home is in great condition, it’s also worth consulting a trusted home inspection company before signing the lease. Many rental apps even offer tools like financial information sharing for prospective landlords and rent payment options once you’ve signed a lease.

Here’s a curated list of some of the best free rental apps available on iOS and Android, tailored to help you find your next apartment with ease:

Zillow Rentals

Zillow Rentals (iOS, Android) offers access to apartments across the country, allowing users to search multiple cities, neighborhoods, or ZIP codes simultaneously. With customizable search filters — like pet policies, in-unit laundry, or on-site parking — you can easily find listings that match your needs. Plus, Zillow’s “Rent Zestimates” use its proprietary Zestimate technology to compare asking rents with similar rentals in the area.

The app also highlights whether an area has legal protections against discrimination based on LGBTQ status, housing vouchers, or income sources. Users praise Zillow’s real-time listings and its verification system for providing accurate information. However, some reviewers wish the app allowed filtering of saved searches, and there are occasional complaints about landlords not responding through the platform.

Trulia Rentals

Trulia Rentals (iOS, Android) makes contacting property managers seamless with its one-click inquiry feature, saving you from filling out forms for each listing. The app’s standout “Trulia Neighborhoods” feature provides photos, drone footage, and local insights on safety, walkability, and community amenities. It even includes resident survey data and notes on whether local laws offer protections for gender identity and sexual orientation.

Reental app
Reental app

An “Affordability” tab on each listing calculates the ideal income needed to comfortably rent a property, based on Trulia’s recommendation that rent should be no more than one-third of your gross income. Parents can also search for rentals within specific school districts.

Before finalizing your choice, it’s also important to check for pests and arrange a termite inspection in Sacramento to ensure the property is in good condition.

Apartment List

Apartment List (iOS, Android) takes a personalized approach. The app starts by asking a series of questions about your location preferences, budget, priorities, and desired amenities. It then compiles tailored rental options into categorized groups, such as listings that match all your criteria or those that may stretch your budget slightly but offer more amenities.

You can swipe left or right on listings, similar to a dating app, building a shortlist of favorites. When you like a property, the app can contact the landlord or property manager on your behalf to initiate an inquiry.

While users love the personalized questionnaire and swipe-based interface, some note that the app occasionally provides results outside of the chosen parameters. Additionally, you must provide your email and other personal information to use the app, which some find inconvenient.

Apartments.com

The Apartments.com app (iOS, Android) prioritizes up-to-date listings with detailed information on amenities, fees, and availability. Its robust filters allow you to tailor searches based on commute times, school districts, or proximity to frequently visited locations.

Apartments.com also verifies listings to minimize scams and outdated information. A transportation feature provides details on nearby transit options, airports, and amenities like restaurants or college campuses.

While the app is packed with features, some users report occasional glitches and technical issues that can hinder their experience.